The story
18 Folgate Street is a Georgian terraced house built in the 1720s. In the late 1970s, the American artist Dennis Severs bought it and gradually turned it into what he called a "still-life drama". He lived there without modern lighting and created ten rooms that tell the story of the fictional Jervis family across several generations, from the early eighteenth century to the early twentieth.
Visitors walk through in silence, as if the family has just left the room: food is half-eaten, candles are burning and a clock ticks in the background. Severs' motto was "You either see it or you don't". Since his death in 1999, the house has been preserved by a trust.
What to look for
- The candlelit rooms, each representing a different period.
- Sounds and smells that suggest the family's presence.
- The kitchen, with its open fire.
- The decline of the house through the generations.
Combine it with
Christ Church Spitalfields, Old Spitalfields Market and Fournier Street are all nearby, as is Brick Lane.
Visiting tips
Visits are by booking at set times, and many are silent. Allow at least an hour. The house is not suitable for young children. Evening visits by candlelight are especially atmospheric.
Getting there
Liverpool Street station is a short walk away. With Mason & Green, we can drop you on Folgate Street and collect you after your visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dennis Severs' House?
A Georgian house in Spitalfields turned into an immersive "still-life drama" about an imagined family of silk weavers.
Do I need to book?
Yes. Visits are at set times and usually by advance booking.
Is it suitable for children?
It is generally not suitable for young children because of the silent, candlelit experience.